TacticalChristianity.org
  • HOME
  • TACTICS
  • STRATEGY
  • E-BOOKS
  • REVIEWS
  • QUOTES
  • ABOUT
  • BLOG

New Beginnings – A Fresh Start

1/1/2015

 
Picture
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? …”  (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Ancient cultures celebrated the beginning of their new year at various points in the annual solar cycle.  The ancient Roman year began in March until Julius Caesar, in correcting the calendar in 46 B.C., made January the first month. And some cultures, like ancient Israel, had more than one new year – a sacred year beginning in the spring, and an administrative or civil year beginning in the fall.  

The Bible  shows certain events in religious history were tied to these two new years. Nisan 1, the beginning of the Hebrew sacred year, was the beginning of the Exodus story (Exodus 12:1-2), and according to Jewish tradition, the tabernacle of God was dedicated on the same first day of the spring cycle New Year; whereas the Temple of Solomon was dedicated at the beginning of the fall cycle New Year (1 Kings 8:1-2). This “civil new year” is also the point from which the years were counted in Israel and, according to Jewish tradition, the day on which the creation of man took place.

So the new years were important in a number of ways in the religion of ancient Israel, as we see in the Old Testament.  But whatever date cultures have chosen to begin a new year, it is often a time of celebration as it seems to be deeply human to desire and to celebrate new beginnings. Sometimes, of course, the celebration part of the picture can get a little carried away. As far as our modern (since Julius Caesar) New Year is concerned, it is interesting that the early Christians accepted it, but cautiously as they were strongly opposed to the pagan extravagance and licentiousness which often accompanied it.  Not much has changed since those times and, as we all know, for some today New Year’s Eve can often be a time of revelry without restraint.  Today’s Christians may still have to beware of that spirit of unrestraint, but we can always rejoice in the concept of renewal. 

As Christians we rejoice in the new lives we begin upon conversion – as the apostle Paul wrote: “… if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17); and in his letter to the Ephesians Paul shows that this is an ongoing renewal: “… put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires … be made new in the attitude of your minds; and … put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). That’s a goal that certainly far exceeds any physical “New Year’s resolution,” but in that sense, every day is like the beginning of a new year for the Christian, and Christians should perhaps strive to be masters of the new beginning.  It’s part of our calling – we are supposed to “raze the old to raise the new” – on an ongoing basis.  So let’s remember the calling we have as this new year begins – not to well-intentioned but short-lived “resolutions,” but to real and lasting renewal.   


Comments are closed.

    Blog

    Follow @tacticalbelief

    RSS Feed

    For a smart browser-bookmark showing new blog postings, click on the RSS Feed icon above.  For more details on RSS Feed, click here.

    Author

    Unless otherwise stated, blog posts are written by R. Herbert, Ph.D., who writes for a number of Christian venues – including our sister site: LivingWithFaith.org.

    Categories

    All
    Archaeology & The Bible
    Bible Study
    Character
    Difficult Scriptures
    Discipleship
    Encouragement
    Family
    Fellowship
    Forgiveness
    Giving
    God
    Gratitude
    Great Commission
    Growth
    History & The Bible
    Knowledge & Wisdom
    Leadership
    Love
    Obedience
    Overcoming
    Persecution
    Popular Culture
    Positive Living
    Prayer
    Problems
    Relationships
    Service
    The Church & The World
    The Life Of Jesus
    Warriors Of The Way
    Women Of Strength

    Picture
    - Charter Member -

    Archives

    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013

     

©  2014-2019 TacticalChristianity.org.